“Uh, well,” I fumbled, a bit shaken by this out-of-the-blue invitation. “My time is limited for the remainder of the week, but I’m free today if he’s available.”
“He is. Twelve thirty?”
A quick check of my calendar showed my next meeting to be at three. Could this concern the Fuller-Swanson meeting? It wouldn’t surprise me if Weston had whispered something derogatory in his senior partner’s ear. Why that would necessitate a meeting with his senior partner was beyond me,but I would put nothing past Weston Lively when it came to making himself look better at my expense.
“That sounds good.”
“I’ll make a reservation at The Bar Room at The Modern on Fifty-third. Does that work for you?” I admired her brisk efficiency.
“Yes, I’ll be there. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Have a nice day.”
I had a meeting in half an hour I should have been preparing for, but instead I read up on Daniel Roth and the firm. Impressive was an understatement—offices all over the country, with top-tier attorneys. Superstar clients. The senior partners were all on the boards of numerous bar associations and authors of leading articles quoted in legal publications. Their winning cases set precedents.
Of course this would be Weston’s firm.
Annoyed, I clicked out of the multiple screens and tackled the work I had in front of me. There was no reason to be jealous—we might not be top tier, but our firm was well respected, and we didn’t lack for our own well-known clientele. My phone buzzed.
“Your ten thirty is here, Brenner.”
“Thanks, Donna. I’ll be right there.”
My clients deserved the best, and that was me. I’d never give them anything less than one hundred percent.
**
It almost felt like I was playing hooky by leaving the office in the middle of the day. Lunch for me was most often a sandwich or salad at my desk while I read files or caught up on emails.
The Bar Room was adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art and overlooked the outdoor sculpture garden. I hadn’t been inside a museum in years and vowed this would be the year I kicked my cultural ass in gear. If I could find the time.
The hostess led me to the table where Daniel Roth awaited. I’d never personally met the man, but I’d seen him lecture and I’d read his articles. He was brilliant at both. At my approach, he rose and smiled.
“Thank you, Brenner, for meeting me on such short notice. I appreciate it.”
We shook hands, and I sat opposite him. A server approached, and Roth and I chose sparkling water. Then I waited.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve invited you here.”
“The thought did cross my mind, yes,” I joked. “I don’t believe we’ve ever had a conversation before.”
“No, but that doesn’t mean I’m not aware of the bright stars in our ranks.”
I might be closing in on forty, but it still gave my heart a happy bounce to hear a compliment from one of the giants in the profession. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say and nice to hear.”
At the server’s interruption, we ordered lunch. We each wanted the pea soup, Roth ordered the beef, and I chose the lobster pasta. He clasped his hands, and I girded myself, but for what, I wasn’t sure.
“We’ve decided to expand our family-law division. Our clientele and caseload are growing, and we’ve had our eye on youfor a while as someone we feel would fit in perfectly with our mission and goals.” He took a sip of water. “Thoughts?”
Stunned, I sat speechless.
Behind silver-rimmed glasses, Roth’s eyes twinkled. “I see I’ve surprised you.”
A weak smile curved my lips. “To say the least. I’m extremely flattered.”
“I hope there’s not a ‘but’ at the end of that statement.” Knowing Roth’s reputation, I gathered he didn’t hear the word “no” often.
“I’m not saying that. Of course, I’d need to know more about what you have in mind.”
